Ubuntu on Mobile Devices – Do We Really Need Another Flavor of Linux?
It’s no real surprise that an OS like Ubuntu would create a flavor for mobile devices. Since market trends to a tablet world in the next 5 years, it makes sense for all OS’s to start development. However, it seems though that Linux likes to compete with Linux way too much – Android being a Linux flavor. Will Ubuntu be accepted?
Ubuntu started on October 20, 2004. It’s name is a South African philosophy – humanity towards others. It is released by Canonical and creator Mark Shuttleworth. Ubuntu comes in many flavors – Kubuntu (using the KDE interface), Edubuntu – used for educational or in a thin-client solution, Ubuntu JeOS – used for desktops running virtual interface software, and many more.
The 11.10 version of Ubuntu is expected to include support for phones, tablets and even televisions (aka “Smartscreens”). This will definitely compete with other flavors of Linux already on mobile devices; such as Android.
Even in Over the Top Television, Linux will challenge itself. Roku’s OS is based on Linux, as is Google TV and Boxee. This means if Ubuntu enters these markets, Linux will be competing with… well, with itself.
Of course, we also have Apple iOS (which uses a UNIX shell derivative), and Microsoft Windows Phone 7 (which uses Microsoft OS technology).
Linux flavors can be different – in some cases unrecognizable to the average user. As long as the user sees a secure environment in a device easy to use.Bottom line: Microsoft, iOS or Linux technology won’t concern the average user at the end of the day.
As for Ubuntu – This might be a great alternative OS for mobile and smartscreens. As long as it doesn’t get too technical for the average consumer. That means they shouldn’t have to type “-sudo” in a terminal window, unless they are going out on their own.